Ending Corporal Punishment in Schools

Corporal punishment, or physical punishment, is still allowable in 19 states including Florida. In many schools it includes the spanking or paddling of children by school officials, and is disproportionately used as a form of punishment for African American students and children with disabilities. Last year, the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) reported that, on average, 838 children were hit each day in public school, based on a 180-day school year. This equates to just over 150,500 instances of corporal punishment per year. This statistic is astonishing considering the fact that 31 states have already banned corporal punishment in schools.

Schools are supposed to be safe places where students learn and are protected from harm – not institutions where teachers or administrators can abuse children under their care. Not only is there no conclusive evidence that it is actually beneficial in modifying disruptive behavior, but these punishments can actually result in physical as well as emotional harm to children.

My legislation would prohibit any educational institutions that allow school personnel to inflict corporal punishment on students from receiving federal funding. It also creates grants to encourage climate and culture improvements in schools which promote positive behaviors.